VIP AREA FEBRUARY 2012

Inspired by Aid’s recent trip to the Italian fashion capital, we recommend a trip to the uber-cool city of Milan.

WE’RE SHOPPING… RECTANGLE OF GOLD
Milan, of course, is famous for the shopping – so the first place we recommend heading in the city is the Quad d’Oro, which translates loosely as the ‘Rectangle of Gold’. With a plethora of designer stores situated in the same ultra-stylish square (such as Missoni, Armani, Chanel, and Prada), fashionistas won’t be disappointed. But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to handing over the plastic, you can happily while away the hours gazing at the tempting window displays.
Visit: The Rectangle of Gold is bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant'Andrea and via Montenapoleone.

WE’RE STAYING… BULGARI HOTEL
There are plenty of cool hotels to pick from in Milan, but top of our list is the Bulgari Hotel, which is situated in a beautiful renovated 18th Century Milanese Palazzo. Step through the (rather grand) front doors and you will be greeted by a surprisingly peaceful space, which boasts hidden courtyards, a 4000 square meter private garden, and a spa that rivals the best in the world. This is Bulgari – so you won’t be surprised to hear that the pool is lined in pure gold tiles. Luxury at its finest.
Website: www.bulgarihotels.com

WE’RE RELAXING… CAFFÈ VERDI
Need to rest your feet between shopping trips? We recommend heading to Caffè Verdi to sip a Cappucino and gossip with friends. The quiet, but atmospheric café is situated across the road from the famous opera theatre La Scala – so you may well be sat alongside some of the big names of the opera world (not that all of us would realise it, of course). If hunger pangs strike, the café also serves a delicious menu of snacks and food.  
Visit: Caffè Verdi, Via Giuseppe Verdi 6

WE’RE DRINKING... VOLO
There are plenty of things that we love about the bar Volo… We can’t get enough of the al fresco setting, where we can drink with friends in the English-style walled garden, under trees that shade us from the late afternoon sun. We love the cocktail menu, which has everything from Caipirinhas to Bloody Marys. And we love the fact that there’s free Wifi, which comes in very handy during Milan Fashion Week when we want to keep in touch with other members of the Bad Apple Hair team. It’s definitely worth visiting when you are in the city.
Visit: Volo Milan, Viale Beatrice d'Este, corner of via Patellani.

WE’RE VISITING… GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II
Finally, no trip to the city would be complete without a trip to luxury shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Situated just a stone’s throw from Milan’s Duomo (the huge cathedral that is the hub of the city), the arcade is hard to miss - but you really need to step inside to appreciate the stunning iron and glass interior, which was built in 1867. The Galleria houses plenty of high-end brands, such as Luis Vuitton and Gucci, amongst atmospheric coffee shops. It’s the perfect place to head if you want to sit back, relax, and watch some of Milan’s most stylish people pass by.
Visit: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza del Duomo  20121

VIP AREA - JANUARY 2012

THIS MONTH… JANUARY

WE’RE JOTTING… SMYTHSON’S 2012 FASHION DIARY
OK, we know it isn’t cheap, but Smythson’s Fashion Diary will come in very handy to all fashionistas in 2012.  The chic, lightweight diary (bound in a stunning blue leather) contains city guides and detailed maps for each fashion capital, council listings, fashion show dates, national holidays, and cultural events. Bad Apple Hair staff won’t be separated from our diaries over the coming 12 months!
Buy: Fashion Diary with side closure, £200 (www.smythson.com)

WE’RE WATCHING… THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Set to be one of the most anticipated film releases of 2012. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is top of our to-see list this January. Playing at cinemas nationwide throughout the month, the film stars Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Joely Richardson, and Steven Berkoff. We’ve read the book and can promise that the plot will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Watch: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Cinemas Nationwide.

WE’RE DRINKING… ART ROOM TEA BAR, BIRMINGHAM
January is a month to detox – so instead of hitting the local nightspots, we’re heading to Birmingham’s cool new Art Room Tea Bar to swig tea and catch up with friends. Located on Level 3 of The Mailbox, the bar offers over 20 different teas to please every palette – including the exotic-sounding “Taiwanese High Mountain Qing Xin’. After the excesses of Christmas, our bodies will be thanking us…
Visit: Art Room Tea Bar, Level 3, The Mailbox, Birmingham

WE’RE WEARING…  KNEE HIGH BOOTS
Seen on the Autumn/Winter catwalks at Yves Saint Laurent, Jaeger London, and Prada, we’re making the most of the plunging January temperatures by heading out in knee-high boots. Keep things casual by choosing a flat pair in distressed leather (our vote is dark brown or black) and teaming with skinny jeans and a warm sheepskin or shearling coat.
Buy: Blowfish Jasper Buckle Knee Boot, £75 (www.office.co.uk)

WE’RE DREAMING… ST MORITZ
With months to wait until our summer holidays, we’re dreaming of escaping to the mountains for a winter break – and where better than the fashionable resort of St Moritz? With perfect runs for skiers and snowboarders and action-packed après-ski, it’s top of our wish list for the coming months – and if money was no object, we’d be hiring luxury chalet Chesetta (booked through the Luxury Chalet  Collection) and heading away with 12 friends for a memorable week on the piste.
Book: Chesetta, St Moritz (www.luxurychaletcollection.com)